Book description
Footballer Bobby Moore and cricketer Graham Gooch are two of the truly
outstanding sporting figures of the post-war period. They attained the
very heights of sporting glory during the golden years of their playing
days in the latter half of the twentieth century, Moore captaining
England to World Cup victory at Wembley in 1966, and Gooch scoring
century after century against the West Indies. Despite their
international success, they proudly shared the same working-class East
London/Essex background and always remained loyal to their roots. This
book takes a unique look at the lives and characters of these two
sporting heroes, comparing and contrasting the development of their
careers within a rapidly changing social context, as well as their
individual approaches to their retirement years. It traces the history
of football and cricket in East London and Essex, a hotbed of local
sport that has produced many world-class sports stars, from 1960 to
2000. It is also the story of thousands of local football and cricket
enthusiasts in the area who have helped to make the sporting culture of
East London/Essex so rich and distinctive. Anecdotes and interesting
stories from individuals and clubs abound, including the great Graham
Gooch, who agreed to be interviewed for the book and provides
fascinating insights into modern sport. With a perceptive foreword by
football legend Tony Cottee, this book captures the heart of cricket and
football as well as the heart of East End and Essex culture and is a
must all sports lovers. Footballer Bobby Moore and cricketer Graham
Gooch are two of the truly outstanding sporting figures of the post-war
period. They attained the very heights of sporting glory during the
golden years of their playing days in the latter half of the twentieth
century, Moore captaining England to World Cup victory at Wembley in
1966, and Gooch scoring century after century against the West Indies.
Despite their international success, they proudly shared the same
working-class East London/Essex background and always remained loyal to
their roots. This book takes a unique look at the lives and characters
of these two sporting heroes, comparing and contrasting the development
of their careers within a rapidly changing social context, as well as
their individual approaches to their retirement years. It traces the
history of football and cricket in East London and Essex, a hotbed of
local sport that has produced many world-class sports stars, from 1960
to 2000. It is also the story of thousands of local football and cricket
enthusiasts in the area who have helped to make the sporting culture of
East London/Essex so rich and distinctive. Anecdotes and interesting
stories from individuals and clubs abound, including the great Graham
Gooch, who agreed to be interviewed for the book and provides
fascinating insights into modern sport. With a perceptive foreword by
football legend Tony Cottee, this book captures the heart of cricket and
football as well as the heart of East End and Essex culture and is a
must all sports lovers.
